So you think you can DANCE?

The Dance-Off was fun and a big success. There were 31 dancers who entertained us and gave it their all! There is a LOT of talent in this town! See photos from the concert here.

A big THANK YOU to the following sponsors and community members who helped with this event:

• UAA
• Steven Lewis, Cold Frunt Productions
• Nine*O*Industries - James and Hernan
• John Ray – Our videographer
• Tony Webster, Bill’s Distributing
• Tony Carter, Red Bull of Alaska
• Doug Lowry, Alaska Professional Legal Copy
• Radiance Salon & Spa
• Brad Erickson, KFAT
• Security Title Agency

Thank you to STARS Dance Studio, Dance Dynamics and Underground Dance Company for adding extra entertainment to the evening!

Dance Contest Winners - Sedale and Cody

Thank you to our judges who donated their time and helped make the hard decision:

Laura Dagon: As the owner of Laura Model & Talent Agency she has been a modeling agent and school director for 25 years. She is the state director for the Actors Models and Talent Competition which is held twice a year in Orlando Florida. Laura was there to judge the competion and as a national scout for an event to be held in Florida in July 2008. Laura has several success stories of people who have been discovered – like Dimond High student Kelsey Close who is signed with IMG in New York City.

John Carpenter: We all know John as the funny guy who likes to THINK he can fish on the Channel 2 News. John has been in the television industry for over 20 years. John has lived in Alaska since 1966 and is a graduate of Chugiak High School. Go Mustangs!

Dance Contest Winners

Angel Kirk: Angel is the owner of Radiance Salon and Spa. She previously represented Alaska in the Mrs. United States pageant and is currently an image consultant for pageant and professional women. Angel assisted with the Alaska Wild cheerleaders last season and is currently a large supporter of Dare to Care helping to ensure that “No Child Goes Hungry.”

R.C. Woodson: Owner of Top Shelf Entertainment – does local artist management and event coordinating in Anchorage. Mr. Woodson is the official Event Coordinator for the September 23rd Bow Wow concert - and working closely with the promoters, Cold Frunt Productions, Steven Lewis and Darryl Williams.

Abe Hernandez: Coach Hernandez is one the coaching staff for the Alaska Wild football team. Coach Hernandez has 20 years experience in playing and coaching and was named All State Fullback his senior year. He played college ball from 1990-92 where he was awarded two consecutive “Most Inspirational Player of the Year” awards. In 1993 he took his full-back skills to Fresno State University. Coach Hernandez’ primary coaching philosophy is that character shapes a player and his performance; being an athlete is the bonus.

The winners of the contest:

Chris Curlett Jr., 18 y.o. – featured on the “Road to High School Musical 2/ The Auditions” – graduate from Eagle River High School.

Miranda Wild, 15 y.o. – a sophomore at Chugiak High School. Miranda has danced competitively for the last three years dancing around the U.S. and in an International Competition this last summer in which she received an award for her solo Hip-Hop routine.

Jevon Miller, 25 y.o. – born and raised in Anchorage and graduate of East High School, Jevon graduated from Washington State University.

Tes Montano, 18 y.o. – graduate of Stellar in Anchorage. Tes currently danced on a competitive dance team and performs throughout the year specializing in Hip-Hop.

Josie Deese, 16 y.o. – a sophomore at Eagle River High School and has danced competitively for three years traveling around the U.S., including an International Competition in Texas.

Stars

Sedale Johnson, 20 y.o. – a graduate of Service High School and is a self taught dancer.

Cody Fizye, 23 y.o – performed for Juge Matthes, Franchize Boys, Paul Wall, and Too Short.

Kiara, 8 y.o. – 3rd grader at Sand Lake Elementary

Lena, 8 y.o. – 3rd grader at Chugiak Elementary

Dance Dynamics

Brad Erickson (KFAT) and Bettsie Wild

Michelle Wilkins and Gabe Harvey choreographed the dance that the winners will perform at the September 23rd Bow Wow concert. They will also be performing with the winners at the concert.

Michelle Wilkins – Over 15 years dance and choreography; trained at Milennium Dance Complex and The Edge in LA with the 2007 National Dance Tour in conjunction with 5678 Showtime, Inc. Michelle appeared in music video for Dimyn Dee entitled "Zipper"; opened and has been involved with choreography for Paul Wall, the Ying Yang Twins, Dem Franchize Boyz, Youngbloodz, and Huey Dunbar. She is the current Miss Anchorage 2007 and Miss Birchwood 2007, Miss Chugiak-Eagle River 2004, Miss Thunderbird 2003 (Award given to ONE dancer out of 400)

Gabe Harvey - Co-owner of Underground Dance Company; grew up in Anchorage; danced for Diamond D Video and opened for Pete Pablo. Gabe is the mastermind who brought Underground to our community and developed a school which focuses on Hip Hop dance.

Underground Dance Company